1st Post, 1st Marathon

This past weekend marked a goal that was dreamed about for 10 years and accomplished! Yes, a full marathon....26.2 miles.



I've been training for this since June. My desire was to train, without taking away from my family. Therefore, I've had many, many early mornings, some as early as 4:10am.



So, Jeff and I went to Chicago this past weekend and spent the night with Aaron and Bekah. They were a great resource, knowing the city and also Aaron had plenty of running items on hand, incase I forgot anything...including Gu(gel packs...nasty energy stuff to eat while running), bananas and begals. Bekah even made a pasta dinner the night before.The next day, Jeff and I got up at 5 am and got ready. We left at 6am and got to the starting line with plenty of time to spare. The day ended up being a bit hot for running, but I started the race well hydrated and fueled. I drank often throughout the race and ate my gel packs every 4-5 miles. I finished the race in 4 hours and 8 minutes....not meeting my goal, but with all things considered(being a warm day), I'm thankful that I was able to finish. I saw Jeff 4 times throughout the race, he made a poster for me....isn't that so nice of him?!?! I saw Aaron and Bekah...at their place. The marathon went right past their place, isn't that so cool?! Because of the heat, Jeff saw several runners near the end, that had to be hospitalized....we are so thankful that everything went well for me!

After the race, with the poster Jeff made for me.

Yes, my name is spelled wrong....that way the crowd would cheer for me correctly.

Playing Bekah's favorite game, Scotland Yard(?).

Thanks Aaron and Bekah for fun evening together and letting us stay at your place....which is so neat! We loved your neighborhood! We appreciated your help this past weekend.